2 research outputs found
The hunt for hidden hearing loss in humans: From preclinical studies to effective interventions
Many individuals experience hearing problems that are hidden under a
normal audiogram. This not only impacts on individual sufferers, but also
on clinicians who can offer little in the way of support. Animal studies
using invasive methodologies have developed solid evidence for a range of
pathologies underlying this hidden hearing loss (HHL), including cochlear
synaptopathy, auditory nerve demyelination, elevated central gain, and neural
mal-adaptation. Despite progress in pre-clinical models, evidence supporting
the existence of HHL in humans remains inconclusive, and clinicians lack
any non-invasive biomarkers sensitive to HHL, as well as a standardized
protocol to manage hearing problems in the absence of elevated hearing
thresholds. Here, we review animal models of HHL as well as the ongoing
research for tools with which to diagnose and manage hearing difficulties
associated with HHL. We also discuss new research opportunities facilitated
by recent methodological tools that may overcome a series of barriers that
have hampered meaningful progress in diagnosing and treating of HHL.Australian GovernmentDepartment of Health & AgeingMinistry of Science and Innovation, Spain (MICINN)
Spanish GovernmentAndalucia European Regional Development Fund PID2020-119073GB-I00
B-TIC-382-UGR2